KITCHENER, CANADA -The Wood Manufacturing Council in conjunction with Conestoga College and the 2014 Wood Tech Summit is organizing a one-day event for Ontario high school woodworking teachers, to inform them about sector skills needs, career opportunities and the educational pathways to careers in the wood manufacturing sector.

Teachers, guidance counselors and their students will have an opportunity to spend a portion of the day with the woodworking industry delegates of the Wood Tech Summit. The two groups will be together in the morning to hear presentations by iconic BC furniture designer/manufacturer Judson Beaumont, Straight Line Designs, who will speak on surviving and thriving through continuous and innovation and by the Wood Manufacturing Council.

Additional presentations and discussions will cover such issues as woodworking sector demographics, Human Resources issues, key occupations and sectoral skills requirements. Former Conestoga students will provide their perspectives on their training and how it supported and influenced their careers. The group will also hear an HR manager’s perspective on skills needs, as well as employer expectations and experiences.

There will be focus on the educational opportunities in the woodworking sector. Ontario colleges will introduce their woodworking programs, provide information and network with the teachers throughout the day. There will be demonstrations and an opportunity to tour the shop facilities and speak to current students.

The event is being held at Conestoga College’s Woodworking Centre of Ontario on October 9, 2014. This event will compliment the related session – Wood Tech Summit - and will provide opportunities for high school students and representatives of the industry to learn and come together. For more information visit woodtechsummit.com.